Lessons From the Pioneers: Reflections along the Oregon Trail

Lessons From the Pioneers: Reflections Along the Oregon Trail is a series of essays based upon the emigrants' travel to find their "good life" in Oregon. This unique book combines diaries with insights from philosophy, psychology and spirituality. Ten lessons from the pioneer trek are described, each relating to our own "journey" to find our "good life." Readers are encouraged to write their reflections in the margins as they travel the Trail.

Jay Mennenga's interest in the Oregon Trail stemmed from his living by Ft. Kearny. This state's motto: "Nebraska: The Good Life," provided the theme for Mennenga's book. He traveled the Oregon Trail for six summers in researching his book, which was published in l993. Mennenga and his wife Sherrie lived on the Oregon Trail in Idaho, where they operated a bed and breakfast. Jay was active in the Oregon-California Trails Association (OCTA). Jay and Sherrie how live on a ranch in Wyoming, where Jay continues his writing.